Frank Sakwa
My name is Francis Makanda Sakwa and I am 22 years old. Before I joined Maji Mazuri I used to hang up with friends around streets and practicing bad activities such as drug abuse and robbery in the streets of Mathare slum. After the introduction to Maji Mazuri I joined an ICT school in which I graduated in web design in which it has exposed me to a better life. I worked as volunteer in Maji Mazuri for the last two years as a community worker, peer educator, scheduling youth meetings and as a multi media reporter.
A Long Journey Starts with the First Step
It is said that a ‘A long journey starts with the first step’. Meet Odhiambo “Matendechere”, a Maji Mazuri youth member and lifelong resident of the Mathare ghetto. A year back, Matendechere, who was without a clear vision of life, met Samuel Karanja, a.k.a. “MC”, who is the youth coordinator in our ghetto. Matendechere used to hang around idle, brew alcohol and engage in what we call 'tribal politics’.
Matendechere met with MC. MC was discussing the problems youth face living in the ghetto with a few young men down at the brewing site. MC touched on ways to tackle our problems and highlighted how youth can overcome these problems. One of the solutions he offered was to join the Maji Mazuri Youth Group and participate in our educational projects and other activities such as sports and drama to discover your talent.
After a short conversation with MC, Matendechere knew it was the beginning of a new and hopeful life. He set his mind up to task and a week later he took the initiative by attending a youth meeting. There, he was amazed by hospitality of members. The motivation he received made him join the Maji Mazuri Youth group.
Some weeks later, he was among few members selected to join the ICT web design course. Without any knowledge or experience in computer, Matendechere kept trying and worked hard at school until he was able to graduate course 1. Matendechere also discovered his talent in sports and he became a killer weapon striker in Maji Mazuri FC.
I write this blog with much gratitude to Maji Mazuri for enabling the youth in Mathare to decide their own destiny.
Message from Wanjiku, Maji Mazuri Founder
-
Greetings and Blessings for the New Year!
Written by Wanjiku2012 is full of infinite possibilities. Over Christmas we received many wonderful letters from you! Here's a beautiful quote from one….…Read more...
Latest News
-
A Classical Music Concert in Kasarani - Within Your Capacity
Written by Janet KabueSpecial needs children benefit from music therapy. Research documents that many children with special needs…Read more... -
A Complex World Calls For A New Face of Tech
Written by WandiaMaji Mazuri Multi Media Youth Answer the Call...Read more... -
A Storey of Hope.
Written by Daniel WambuaIt's not a spelling mistake. This is a story about a storey that means a…Read more... -
Mavuno Youth Preparation Phase
Written by Daniel WainainaMavuno preparatory phase is a proposed stage in giving the youths in Mathare loans to…Read more...
News Around the World
-
Maji Mazuri Volunteer Featured in Calabasas Publication - The Acorn
Written by Majimazuri TeamJulia Fingleson Calabasas resident helping disabled children in Kenya The Mathare Valley slums near Nairobi,…Read more...
-
Rotary Raises the Roof
Written by Majimazuri TeamEveryone has hopes for their future, their families, and their communities. These hopes can be…Read more...
-
Mae Berkel-Avé
Written by Majimazuri TeamMae Berkel doesn't just inspire us. She affirms us with her authenticity, depth and compassion.…Read more...
Member Login
Sign up for Updates!
Newest Comments
- I love majimazuri.org guys!! Lohan Written by Lohan on Tuesday, 24 January 2012 00:29 The Maji Mazuri Youth Group Football Team
- I might be beating a dead horse, but… Written by Lawanda on Thursday, 19 January 2012 01:45 Become a sponsor
- Absolutley blown away by your work. Written by Roxy on Thursday, 19 January 2012 00:28 Make a Connection
